Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Americans Still Distrustful of Autonomous Car Tech

On the other hand, U.S. drivers show interest in many advanced driver assistance features, a new study from J.D. Power finds.

by Staff
April 21, 2017
Americans Still Distrustful of Autonomous Car Tech

A Waymo (Google) self-driving Lexus RX450h on a California street. Photo courtesy of Waymo.

2 min to read


A Waymo (Google) self-driving Lexus RX450h on a California street. Photo courtesy of Waymo.

With the exception of people in the 23- to 40-year-old age group (Gen Y or Millennials), American drivers are becoming increasingly skeptical of self-driving technology, according to a new study from research firm J.D. Power. And the widespread doubtfulness and apprehension represent a marketing hurdle for manufacturers and technology developers.

Ad Loading...

“In most cases, as technology concepts get closer to becoming reality, consumer curiosity and acceptance increase,” said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction and human-machine interface research at J.D. Power. “With autonomous vehicles, we see a pattern where trust drives interest in the technology and right now, the level of trust is declining.”

Ad Loading...

Compared with the 2016 survey, 11% more Gen Z consumers (ages 13-22) and 9% more Pre-Boomers (age 72 and older) said they “definitely would not” trust automated technology.

However, similar to the 2016 study, consumers this year show great interest in collision protection and driving assistance technology. Six of the top 10 features that consumers were most interested in before learning the price — smart headlights, camera rear-view mirror, emergency braking and steering system, lane change assist, camera side-view mirrors and advanced windshield display — come from these two categories.

“Along with collision mitigation, there are many benefits to autonomous vehicles, including allowing those who are unable to drive in today’s vehicles to experience freedom of mobility,” Kolodge said. “Interestingly, though, 40% of Boomers do not see any benefits to self-driving vehicles. Automated driving is a new and complex concept for many consumers; they’ll have to experience it firsthand to fully understand it.”

Kolodge predicted, however, that as features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and blind-spot warning systems become mainstream, drivers will gain more confidence in taking their hands off the steering wheel and allowing the vehicle to assume control.

The U.S. Tech Choice Study, now in its third year, examines consumer awareness, interest and price elasticity of various technologies by vehicle make and consumer demographic. This year’s study, conducted in January and February, was based on an online survey of more than 8,500 consumers who had purchased or leased a new vehicle in the past five years. 

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Small Fleet

Safe Driving on Halloween over spooky fall road
Safety & Compliance•by Staff•October 25, 2026

Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night

This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.

Read More →
Safety & Compliance•by Staff•October 12, 2026

Simple Tire Checks That Help Keep Your Business Fleet Moving

A survey found that nearly one in every 10 passenger vehicles has at least one bald tire. What's more, 27% -- more than one in four -- of vehicles are driven with one or more severely under-inflated tires.

Read More →
Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
Sustainability•July 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Drivers in a safety meeting at Wheelz Up
Safety & Compliance•by Amy Hercher•July 14, 2026

Developing Budget-Friendly Driver Safety Programs

From driver training and safety meetings to one-on-one coaching and incentive programs, several small fleets share how they have developed a safety culture with their drivers using low- to no-cost resources.

Read More →
Sponsored•March 9, 2026

Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections

AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.

Read More →
Safety & Compliance•February 4, 2026

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Sponsored•January 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Sponsored•January 14, 2026

It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report

What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.

Read More →
Wreaths Across America graphic highlighting the role of small fleets in delivering wreaths to honor veterans, featuring wreath icons and the American flag.
Vocational Fleets•by Lauren Fletcher•December 8, 2025

Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America

Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A stressed person covers their face, illustrating that 65% of small fleet managers handle all operations alone, according to a Vehicle Management Systems (VMS) survey.
Small Fleet•by Staff•November 12, 2025

VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone

A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.

Read More →